School Infection Control Handbook - 2010

Chapter 3: Development of Protocols

Chapter 3.L. Preparing to Respond to a Chemical Exposure

Introduction If the disinfectant and sanitizer products are corrosive in a concentrated form (e.g. QACs, bleach) or are flammable (e.g., alcohol, alcohol-based hand sanitizers), OSHA standards and Massachusetts Fire Prevention Regulations require the provision of an e mergency eyewash facility. A school’s protocol should address the location, selection, installation, maintenance, and testing of emergency eyewash and shower equipment. To minimize the number of emergency eyewash stations that are required, 1. Use products that do not require their use, such as water-based (nonflammable) and neutral PH (noncorrosive) products. 2. Implement engineering controls to reduce the potential for exposure; for example, the use of closed or automatic chemical-dispensing systems, splash guards, or long-handled spraying and cleaning tools. 3. Centralize facilities for storing and dispensing flammable and corrosive products. If an eyewash station is not available in the area where the disinfectant is dispensed and used, a diluted, ready-to-use disinfectant product may be a better choice (if it does not require the use of an eyewash or PPE). Plumbed Emergency Wash Stations: Eyewash and Emergency Deluge Shower x Regulatory citations o For corrosives: OSHA Emergency Eyewash and Showers 29 CFR Part 1910.151(c) o For corrosives and flammables: MA Fire Prevention Regulations General Provisions 527 CMR 10 x General requirements for emergency wash stations o The station should be located within approximately 50 feet or a 10-second walk of the hazard and be easily accessible. 1 o Water temperature should be kept between 70°F and 90°F. 1 o All eyewashes and showers should be approved by the American National Standards Institute. o Signage (at least 70 square inches and in contrasting colors such as red and white or green and white) should be posted, indicating the location of each type of equipment: “Emergency Shower” or “Emergency Eyewash.” 1 o When possible, the emergency wash system should trigger an alarm when activated to alert other people that there is an emergency. o The system should have a mechanism that enables it to stay on, allowing the hands to be kept free for cleaning off chemicals.

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